Species Vulnerability of Mangroves to Climate Change in Calatagan, Batangas

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Mangroves are amongst the most vulnerable ecosystems to the threats of climate change worldwide. Considering its ecological, social, and economic benefits to coastal communities; anthropogenic pressures and extreme climatic events still influence its overall vulnerability. in this study, the species vulnerability was assessed in terms of exposure to stresses, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity to develop conservation and management program for the mangrove species.

METHODS

The study utilized the Mangrove Species Vulnerability index (MSVI) proposed by Cudiamat (2018). The vulnerability assessment made use of 16 measurements, which specifically evaluated the species' exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity through the ranking method. These include determining mangrove forest health, adjacent ecosystem resilience, the extent of effects of human impacts, and the environmental conditions of different mangrove species in ten (10) 10m x 10m quadrats.

RESULTS

Seven (7) mangrove species were identified taxonomically namely: Sonneratia alba, Rhizophora mucronata, R. apiculata, Avicennia marina, Bruguiera cylindrica, Aegiceras corniculatum, and Ceriops decandra in the ten quadrants. S. alba has the lowest vulnerability with an MSVI of 2.31, followed by A. marina, R. mucronate, and B. cylindrica with an MSVI of 2.38,2.50, and 2.50 respectively. The results showed that these mangrove species have high resiliency, which attributes to its structural and adaptive capacity. on the other hand, A. corniculatum and C. decandra have an MSVI of 3.19 and 2.69 respectively, which showed moderate vulnerability. The findings revealed that S. alba, followed by A. marina is climate-resilient mangrove species. From the result, it was found out that A. corniculatum and C. decandra are vulnerable to climate change.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the results of the MSVI, mitigation and adaptation measures to better conserve and manage these mangrove species should be done, specifically for A. corniculatum and C. decandra, which is a threatened species declared by international Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Programs for future mangrove conservation and reforestation that will empower the local community for the mangrove species management should be considered.